Yoga incorporates specific breathing techniques along with various poses to bring the mind, body and spirit together as one. Yoga breathing exercises work in different ways; some are for relaxation while others simply help you control your breathing on a day-to-day basis.
Types
The practice of yoga includes more than 100 poses and techniques. Some types of yoga techniques require a total lifestyle change, but this is not true of all practices. The most commonly practiced yoga in the U.S. is hatha, which focuses on strength, flexibility and well-being.
Deep Breathing Exercise
Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight. Place one hand on your stomach and the other hand on your chest. Take a deep breath through your nose; you should feel the hand on your stomach begin to rise as you inhale, while the hand on your chest should only have very little movement. Exhale through your mouth. While exhaling, contract your stomach muscles to make as much air as possible escape your abdomen. Even while you're exhaling, the hand on your chest should move very little. Continue repeating this deep breathing exercise for at least 10 minutes.
Stress Relief Exercise
Begin breathing deeply into your lower diaphragm. Imagine the air filling the deepest part of your lungs. Relax your upper body, including your jaw, neck, throat and shoulders. Lengthen your exhalations. When you're stressed, your breaths tend to be short and become shorter as anxiety grows. Taking longer breaths help slow your breathing and helps you relax.
Altitude Sickness Exercise
Breathing exercises may help ease some of the symptoms associated with altitude sickness, which occurs when your body does not receive enough oxygen. Take 10 quick breaths in when you wake up, again in the afternoon and before you go to bed. Rapid breathing can help increase your oxygen level as your lungs take in more oxygen during a short period of time.
The second exercise is similar. Inhale very deeply and imagine filling your entire abdomen with air. Quickly exhale 75 times, pushing all of the air out of your body, before taking another deep breath. When exhaling, each released breath should be short and quick.
What to Expect
On average, a typical yoga session lasts about 20 minutes. During a session, you can expect to learn and practice a series of several poses. Poses may be formed sitting, standing or lying down. You will concentrate on your breathing and practice different breathing techniques. Controlling your breathing can provide a sense of relaxation. You will also learn your limits while practicing a variety of poses. You may need to use pillows, cushions or blocks to assist with some poses until your body can perform a certain pose comfortably.
